Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Recognizes Alex Solano-Umana for Exceptional Community Partner in Research

Alex Solano-Umana, Director of Community Outreach at the Lourie Center, has been recognized with the 2024 Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Exceptional Community Partner in Research Award for her contributions to the Mid-Atlantic Center for Cardiometabolic Health Equity (MACCHE) Healthy for Two (H42) study. Kelly Bower PHD, MSN/MPH, BS, RN, a co-Principle Investigator for H42, nominated Solano-Umana for the award.

Solano-Umana has played a critical role in shaping the intervention design and recruitment strategies of the H42 study. Her involvement in the coordinating council, research staff visits to the center, and participation in the CHE Community Advisory Board have grown significantly under her leadership. During a panel discussion at MACCHE’s launch event in March 2023, Solano-Umana shared insights on sustainability and success in community-based research and encouraged researchers to allow room for mistakes, questions, feedback, and follow-up when introducing new programs.

The collaboration between The Lourie Center and H42 has flourished under Solano-Umana’s guidance. Her contributions have been instrumental in advancing the H42 study and promoting community engagement in research initiatives. Solano-Umana’s dedication and commitment towards shared health equity goals have strengthened this partnership. Congratulations to Alex Solano-Umana on this well-deserved recognition for her outstanding work!